Joseph Manu Set to Join Racing Metro After Japanese Rugby Stint

Joseph Manu’s future has been a hot topic in recent weeks, and it has now been confirmed that he will depart Toyota Verblitz at the end of the Japanese rugby season. Instead of making a return to the NRL, where he spent nine years with the Sydney Roosters, the 2023 Golden Boot winner is reportedly set to sign a one-year deal with Racing Metro in France’s Top 14 competition.

After playing 181 NRL games and featuring in 17 international Tests for New Zealand, Manu made the switch to rugby union following the 2023 season. He signed with Toyota Verblitz, where he has spent the past year, and had an option in his contract to extend his stay in Japan for another season. However, recent reports indicate that he has chosen not to take up that option, opting instead for a move to the highly competitive French league.

While speculation had linked Manu with a potential return to the Roosters, it appears his future remains in rugby union. This move follows a similar path to that of Sonny Bill Williams, who successfully transitioned from rugby league to union and became a key player for the All Blacks.

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns had previously suggested that Manu might never return to the NRL, pointing out his versatile skill set and drawing comparisons to Williams. “I’d imagine the All Blacks would be watching him closely,” Johns said last year. “He has a similar skill set to Sonny Bill when he changed over to rugby union.”

Manu’s ability to break tackles, create offloads, and excel in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in the 15-man code. With his move to Racing Metro, he will continue developing in rugby union while keeping the door open for future opportunities—whether in Super Rugby, international play, or even a potential return to league down the track.